Social Violence Research Articles

Association Between Unmet Needs in Health Care and Social Services and Exposure to Violence Among Parents.

Existing research has shown that parental exposure to violence has negative consequences on health outcomes, but the effect of such exposure on unmet health care and social service need is unknown. This study aims to investigate the association between unmet health care and social services and parental violence exposure among parents with children. This study used the data of 6289 parents aged 18-60 years who had at least one child under 18 years living in the same household. Parental violence exposure was measured. Unmet child and adult health care and social service need was operationalized through questions on the services needed, those that had not been received, and those that were considered inadequate. Parents who experienced any kind of violence had more unmet service need. There were more women among parents with violence experience (65.4%) than those with no violence experience (51.9%). Violence experience increased the odds of unmet need for general adult healthcare services (OR 2.02, CI 1.64-2.57), maternity and child health clinics (OR 2.52, CI 2.00-3.18), family guidance clinics and home help (OR 2.38, CI 1.60-3.54), mental health or child welfare services (OR 2.05, CI 1.52-2.75), and school health care (OR 1.99, 1.50-2.65). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, the associations between exposure to violence experience and unmet needs for healthcare and social services remained statistically significant. Violence in close relationships profoundly impacts health and well-being. By addressing unmet health care needs and supporting parents, we can break the cycle of violence and promote better mental health outcomes. Preventive policies and early interventions are essential to mitigate the consequences of violence in families.

Femmes ouvrières, la part sensible du travail : L’Excès-L’Usine de Leslie Kaplan et Daewoo de François Bon

For a long time reduced to a mere energy power, to a machine for production, the working body regains its human and sensitive dimension in the literary production that accompanied the economic crisis of the last three decades. Starting from the 1980s, literary representations of the body are indeed impacted by social and economic changes and the physical and psychological damage they have caused. Incorporated into the flesh and mind, these social violences make the bodies of workers the very principle of their identity and, therefore, the place of questioning for the entire contemporary society.

Determination of the Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and Its Affecting Factors in Turkish Mothers and Syrian Refugee/Asylum Seeker Mothers.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and the factors that influence postpartum depression in Turkish and Syrian refugee mothers. The participants were administered the Personal Information Form and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in the 6th week of the postpartum period. While the number of Turkish mothers participating in the study was 66, the number of Syrian mothers was 71. The study was conducted in Çubuk Halil Şıvgın State Hospital in 2022. The postpartum depression prevalence was found to be 16.7% in Turkish mothers and 0% in Syrian mothers. Turkish mothers' postpartum depression mean score was found to increase due to factors such as being exposed to social violence by the spouse, having had an abortion before, having had a stillbirth before, living in a nuclear family, losing a child before, having an acute social problem in the postpartum period, having full-term delivery, and being primipara. Syrian mothers' postpartum depression mean score (p < .05) was found to increase due to factors such as having had an abortion before, experiencing problems during pregnancy, experiencing an acute social problem in the postpartum period, being primigravida, and losing a child before. The postpartum depression rate was found to be 2.29 times higher in Turkish mothers compared to Syrian mothers.

Religion Against Violence: Insights of Contemporary Philosophy and Eastern Patristics

This article examines the concepts of violence and religion as social phenomena of modernity. Religion and the church are presented not as specific organizations or denominations, but as important social institutions and are reflected in philosophical and anthropological terms. I carry out the idea that religion as a modern social institute in cooperation with other social communities can resist violence, especially its aggressive forms. Based on some philosophical theories, the causes of the emergence of the different forms of social violence, as well as definitions of violence, are explored. In this context, the article presents the ideas of Hanna Arendt, Carl von Clausewitz, Bertrand de Jouvenel, James Mill, and Max Weber. Special attention is paid to the conception of the mimetic origin of aggression and violence in “primitive” or “archaic religions” elaborated by the French philosopher René Girard. He compares the social roots of aggression and violence in these religions with the Biblical ones and prefers the latter for their potential in preventing and overcoming the imitation types of violence. Girard’s anthropological justification of the mentioned historical religious traditions is presented. A significant part of the paper is devoted to the views of the Eastern Church Fathers of Early Christianity, considered in the concurrence of their humanistic ideas with those of noted contemporary philosophers. I see meaningful ideas for preventing extreme forms of violence and aggression in the contemporary world in the doctrines of the Early Eastern and Byzantine Fathers, especially those of the classical patristic period. In this regard, this article presents the anthropological and humanistic teachings of Athanasius the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Maximus the Confessor, and John of Damascus. The Early Church Fathers’ ideas are analyzed from a philosophical point of view, as having rational and anthropological grounds which are relevant for the present day’s human existence.

“They talk about it like it's an overdose crisis when in fact it's basically genocide”: The experiences of Indigenous peoples who use illicit drugs in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood

Indigenous Peoples who use illicit drugs (IPWUID) are disproportionately represented among toxic drug poisoning deaths in Canada. These drug-related harms are framed by the historical and ongoing trauma related to settler colonialism and are acutely visible in Vancouver, Canada's Downtown Eastside - a low-income neighbourhood that is an epicenter of the drug poisoning crisis and characterized by entrenched poverty, substance use, violence, and homelessness. This study was undertaken to examine the experiences and perspectives of IPWUID in the Downtown Eastside regarding the drug poisoning crisis and the responsiveness of harm reduction programs within the context of settler colonialism. Indigenous-led qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 IPWUID recruited by Indigenous peer researchers. Indigenous ways of knowing were embedded throughout the entire research design to ensure research was culturally congruent. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically and interpreted by drawing on concepts of social violence and racial capitalism. Our analysis reviewed three key themes that centered the experiences of IPWUID in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in relation to the drug poisoning crisis: (1) that the drug poisoning crisis is understood as a form of genocide toward Indigenous Peoples; (2) that the crisis is experienced within the context of pervasive distrust and adversarial relationships with police rooted in structurally racist experiences of place-based policing practices; and (3) that there is a desire for culturally-safe harm reduction care with Indigenous representation, cultural integration, and that addresses inequities and injustice stemming from colonialism and structural racism. Findings demonstrate how responses to the drug poisoning crisis among IPWUID need to respond to social and materials conditions perpetuated by colonialism and racial capitalism, while also centering IPWUID through the development and implementation of Indigenous-led and culturally safe harm reduction approaches.

A Relationship of Monoamine Oxidase-A with Serotonin in Violent Antisocial Behavior in Iraqi Prisoners

It is thought that the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) enzyme, which catalyzes key brain signaling chemicals like serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, indirectly influences antisocial behavior by disrupting the neurotransmitter balance in brain regions and neural networks. This study aims to assess the MAOA enzyme level in serum and serotonin linked to antisocial behavior in cases in the prison of Baghdad City, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from (63) prisoners and (27) control groups, ages 18 years to 65 years, with a mean ± SD of 37.8 ± 8.8, all males, with different prison terms and different crimes for prisoners in the prison at Baghdad City, Iraq. MAOA and serotonin levels were measured in serum in prisoners and healthy men, and the results showed the serum levels of MAOA enzyme and serotonin were decreased in prisoners compared to the healthy (11.5 IU/ml vs. 19.5 IU/ml) and (79 IU/ml vs. 439 IU/ml), respectively, with the observed difference being significant (P &lt; 0.001(. The results of the relationship between education and social violence were: illiterate 11.1%, primary school 27%, secondary 52.4%, and university 9.5%. The median serum level of MAOA and serotonin in the age group 18–39 years was (11.3 IU/ml, 68.3 ng/ml), respectively, and in the age group 40–65 years was (13 IU/ml, 139 ng/ml), respectively.

Social and policy characteristics associated with injurious shootings by police in US counties: A multilevel analysis, 2015–2020

From 2015 to 2020, shootings by police injured or killed 1769 people annually in the United States, disproportionately harming members of minoritized groups. Prior studies of the structural determinants of these inequities have largely examined state-level aggregations and fatal outcomes. This study aimed to: 1) describe state and county variation in fatal and nonfatal injurious shootings by police, and 2) analyze the relationship between state and county context and differences in county rates of injurious shootings by police. Injury data were developed from manual review of incidents listed in the Gun Violence Archive, then aggregated by county-year. Covariate selection was informed by theories of police use of force and the Social Basis of Disparities in Health conceptual framework. Fixed effects negative binomial regression models were estimated, nesting years within counties and states. Analyses controlled for county population, local reporting presence, and multiple measures of social conflict and community violence. From 2015 to 2020, 56% of counties experienced injurious shootings by police. Higher county rates of victimization were associated with greater state spending on police relative to health, county income inequality, prevalence of unmet substance use disorder needs, higher county firearm availability, and permitless concealed carry statutes. Firearm purchaser licensing polices were associated with lower incidence of injurious shootings by police. To prevent patterns of injurious shootings by police, policymakers should consider addressing undermanaged substance use disorder through crisis fund allocation and use, adopting stronger firearm licensing systems, and evaluating local strategies to combat inequities and strengthen non-policing responses to social needs.

Mixed methods evaluation of a low-carbohydrate high-fat nutrition education program for women from underserved communities in South Africa

South Africa faces a dual burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases, exacerbated by the high consumption of processed foods. The Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) program implements community-based low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) interventions to address these issues. This study evaluated the impact of EBSA's 6-week program on the metabolic health and well-being of 32 women from underserved communities. It assessed outcomes before, immediately after, and six months post-intervention (n = 21). Quantitative findings showed significant improvements in key health markers. After six months, participants experienced an average weight loss of 5.6 kg (+- 5.5), a BMI reduction of 2 kg/m2, and a waist circumference decrease of 6.6 cm. Blood pressure dropped by 10.7 mmHg on average, and fasting glucose levels decreased significantly. Reductions were also observed in triglycerides and HbA1c, indicating better glycemic control. Liver function markers (GGT, ALT) and inflammation markers (CRP) improved as well. Qualitative analysis highlighted several key themes: participants were motivated by a desire to improve their health and lose weight but faced challenges such as social pressures, community violence, and scepticism about the diet's affordability and sustainability. Despite these barriers, positive experiences like increased energy and better hunger control were reported. Participants expressed the need for ongoing support to maintain these changes, both from the program and from their community. These findings suggest that LCHF diets can effectively manage metabolic conditions, but long-term adherence is challenged by socio-economic factors. The study highlights the importance of community-based interventions and highlights the need for further research to develop sustainable health strategies in low-income settings.

Self-care practices during the gender transition of Costa Rican transgender men

Relatively little is known about the unique needs and issues faced by transgender men and their self-care practices during gender transition. This study aimed to analyse self-care practices during gender transition through the life histories of a group of Costa Rican transgender men. A qualitative study with a sociohistorical design employing a thematic life history approach was conducted with fourteen participants between April and September 2022. Data were analysed using Content Analysis. Three categories were developed concerning self-care: (i) the shaping of self-care practices throughout different life stages; (ii) self-care practices related to masculinising the body; and (iii) self-care practices on the margins of a cisheteronormative society. The identified self-care practices took place with the goal of materialising men’s gender identity socially, legally and medically. While self-care plays a key role in supporting individuals throughout the transition process, it is limited in its capacity to ensure comprehensive well-being. The social prejudice and violence encountered by transgender men poses a challenge to achieving full well-being. External pressures and adversities limit the effectiveness of self-care practices, highlighting the need for broader systemic change to enhance the overall health and wellness of transgender men in Costa Rica.

Social network size and endorsement of political violence in the US

BackgroundIn recent years, the United States (US) has witnessed a rise in political violence. Prior research has found that an individual’s social network is associated with their likelihood of engaging in various forms of violence, but research on social networks and political violence in the US context is limited. This study examined associations between social network size and endorsement of political violence in a recent nationally representative survey and explored how the relationship varied by use of social media as a major news source, perceptions of the government as an enemy, and membership in a marginalized or privileged racial or ethnic group.MethodsThis was a nationally representative cross-sectional survey study of adults aged 18 and older in the US, administered from May 13-June 2, 2022. The exposure was social network size, defined by the number of strong social connections. We examined three violence-related outcomes: support for non-political violence, support for political violence, and personal willingness to engage in political violence. We estimated prevalence ratios for associations using survey-weighted Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusting for hypothesized confounders and including interaction terms to examine effect measure modification.ResultsThe sample included 8,620 respondents. Median age was 48.4 years (95% CI = 47.9–48.8), 51.5% were female (95% CI = 50.4–52.7%), and 62.7% self-identified as non-Hispanic White (95% CI = 61.4–65.9%). In adjusted models, those with zero strong connections were more likely than those with 1–4 strong social connections to consider political violence usually/always justified in general (PR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.47–4.01). Those with 50 + strong connections were more likely than those with 1–4 strong social connections to consider political violence usually/always justified in at least one situation (PR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.03–1.37) and were more likely to report being willing to personally use political violence (PR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13–2.04). Associations varied somewhat by social media use, perceptions of the government as an enemy, and racialized identity.ConclusionsIndividuals who reported very few and very many strong social connections were more likely than others to support political violence or be personally willing to engage in it in one form or another. Findings point toward potential intervention and prevention opportunities.

Sexual Victimization and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents and Young Adults in Haiti.

Sexual assault victims are at major risk of being infected by sexually transmitted infections (STI). This article aims to examine and compare the prevalence of eight STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus) among victims and non-victims of sexual abuse. A national cross-sectional study was conducted in Haiti, using a multistage sampling frame, stratified by geographical department, urban or rural setting, gender, and age groups (15-19 and 20-24years). The final sample included 3586 household participants (47.6% female). A weighted sample of 3945 individuals was obtained and used in the following analyses. Overall, 21.75% (95% CI 19.91-23.59) of participants reported having been diagnosed with at least one STI in their lifetime, with a higher prevalence among men (25.70%; 95% CI 22.89-28.52), compared to women (18.11%; 95% CI 15.73-20.49), χ2 = 16.43; p < 0.001). Sexual abuse victims were more likely to report STIs (31.27%; 95% CI 29.21-33.34), compared to non-victims (18.40%; 95% CI 16.68-20.13), χ2 = 27.89; p < .001. Sexual abuse was associated to an increased risk of contracting at least one STI (OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.35, 2.24). The results demonstrate that sexual abuse is associated with a general increase of reporting STIs. They indicate the need for national sexual abuse prevention programs at early ages. These programs should be implemented in schools and churches, focusing on the role of families in sexuality education. Finally, programs must be developed to eradicate community violence-especially in the cities-as increased political and social violence has always been associated with increased sexual abuse in Haiti.

Enhancing online safety: The impact of social media violent content and violence among teens in Illinois

The ongoing prevalence and increasing rate of violence in the United States, particularly among teenagers, is a major concern for many families. Numerous incidents of gun-related violence involving teens have been reported. Concurrently, there has been a significant rise in social media usage among teenagers, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where violent content is often consumed. This paper aims to explore the relationship between the consumption of violent media content among teens and the prevalence of aggressive behaviours and violence which might include gun violence, drawing on the social learning theory. To conduct this research, an experiment will be carried out in a laboratory setting with 50 participants who are freshmen at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These participants will be exposed to various forms of violent content to assess their levels of aggressiveness and attitudes using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) following the exposure. It is anticipated that the participants' aggression levels on the BPAQ will be high, thereby supporting the proposed correlations. Consequently, it is imperative to consider utilizing AI technology to enhance algorithms and recommendation systems that can help mitigate the dissemination of gun-related and violent content to teenagers.

Family relationships and environmental factors of children in social vulnerability

This study sought to analyze the dynamics of family relationships and environmental factors in children in situations of social vulnerability and violence served by an educational institution. This is a descriptive-exploratory study, with eight families served by a non-governmental institution located in a municipality in the Southern Region of Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were applied to fathers, mothers and/or guardians for the analysis of the Comprehensive Assessment Synthesis Instruments (ISAC). The results showed averages close to 3.0 (from 1 to 5) in ISAC, which conceives situations in which there are strengths, but also vulnerabilities in families, especially socioeconomic factors. It was also identified difficulty in accessing health services, education, employment and adequate food. Therefore, health promotion actions should be encouraged, seeking to develop a culture of peace, reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen support networks.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration among Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern that profoundly affects not only heterosexual but also lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations. Although studies conducted outside Norway have reported similar prevalence rates of IPV in heterosexual and LGB relationships, no published studies from Norway, whether academic or from nongovernmental organizations, have focused specifically on IPV prevalence rates in the LGB population. One reason might be the absence of a standardized tool to measure IPV. In this study, as researchers with backgrounds in social psychology, violence and minority studies, we firstly aim to evaluate the validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-R) in understanding the intimate partner violence experiences of LGB individuals. Secondly, we investigate how common various forms of perpetration and victimization are within the LGB community, specifically looking at psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion. We are also interested in whether there are any differences in the experiences of these forms of violence based on sexual orientation. To conduct this research, we studied 285 LGB individuals in Norway, aged between 18 and 64 (mean age = 31.80 years). The results of a correlation analysis revealed that all types of victimization from and perpetration of violence are positively and strongly associated. Chi-square tests indicated that there was no significant difference among LGB individuals in psychological and physical victimization or perpetration. However, gay individuals reported significantly higher sexual IPV victimization and perpetration than lesbian and bisexual individuals. Overall, we suggest that the CTS-R has satisfactory construct validity and effectively helps gauge psychological, physical, and sexual IPV in the LGB population. Moreover, we conclude that psychological, physical, and sexual IPV perpetration and victimization are prevalent in LGB relationships in Norway, and thus, that LGB IPV warrants further investigation into its antecedents and consequences.

Frequency and perception of gender violence in primary care

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widely underestimated issue in middle-income countries. Despite the fact that there is documented evidence of its existence, it is unknown the frequency and perception of GBV in primary care. Understanding this is crucial for the development of intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of GBV in these communities. To determine the frequency and perception of GBV in women attending a primary care clinic in the North of Mexico. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted on female adults, beneficiaries from a family medical unit. Demographic data were collected, and the VIDOFyP questionnaire (Domestic Violence: Frequency and Perception Inventory) was used to assess the frequency and perception of GBV in different domains. Results were compared according to demographic variables, using the JASP software. A total of 385 women with an average age of 44.2 years were surveyed. Social violence was the most common, followed by psychological and economic violence. The perception of severity was highest for physical violence. Significant differences in the perception of violence were found based on marital status, with separated women reporting higher levels in various domains. GBV must be addressed in different domains, especially in separation contexts. The results provide valuable information for developing interventions and policies aimed at preventing and supporting women in vulnerable situations.

Narratives and common traits of peace education and the ‘Teaching Students to be peacemakers’ programme: rethinking the role of cooperative learning in peace education

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to analyse the ‘Teaching Students to be Peacemakers’ programme, which is frequently cited in the Peace Education discourse, within the context of Peace Education. Based on a systematic literature review conducted using the PRISMA method, the study focuses on this programme that emerged as significant from the review results. It first examines how the programme reflects the fundamental concepts and peace approaches of the Peace Education discourse. The subsequent section compares the programme with various types of Peace Education and the broader discourse of cooperative learning. It investigates whether the shift in Peace Education literature towards postmodern, poststructuralist, and Critical Peace Education approaches can rely on the cooperative learning paradigm. Additionally, the study highlights how a simplistic methodological interpretation of cooperative learning may hinder its use in supporting these increasingly emphasised approaches and explores how a broader understanding of the cooperative learning discourse can aid in dismantling personal, cultural, and social violence structures, as well as in supporting positive peacebuilding processes.

“LA HAINE”: CINEMATIC INSIGHTS INTO PERIPHERY INEQUITY AND FRENCH NATIONAL IDENTITY

The multicultural suburban areas, known as banlieues, surrounding French cities are marked by social inequalities, systemic discrimination, crime, and violence. Mathieu Kassovitz’s film “La Haine” (1995) is set in one such Paris suburb, capturing the daily lives of a group of multi-ethnic friends amidst escalating tensions between the French police and immigrant residents. The film “La Haine”, which received critical acclaim and won the César Award in 1996, serves as a powerful portrayal of life in the banlieues, capturing the essence of marginal inequality. By focusing on the contrasting experiences of suburban youth and the disparities between Paris and its outskirts, the film highlights societal issues that remain relevant even two decades later. This study uses “La Haine” as a lens to explore whether the challenges depicted in the film persist in contemporary society, demonstrating the enduring impact of marginal inequality. Through this analysis, the film emerges as a significant cultural artifact that challenges national identities in France.

Anything but Representative Democracy: Explaining Conspiracy Believers’ Support for Direct Democracy and Technocracy

Conspiracy theories gained considerable attention during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although studies have extensively explored their (mostly) negative impacts on various political and social aspects, like participation, health-related behavior, and violence, their influence on support for democracy remains relatively unexplored. The few existing studies offer conflicting findings, prompting my focus to shift from assessing generic support for democracy to examining preferences for alternative decision-making models. To address some limitations of prior research on alternative models of decision-making, I combine a trade-off item with a ranking methodology: respondents were prompted to indicate their first and second preferences for different democratic and non-democratic models over representative democracy. The study is based on data from a representative survey in Germany (July/August 2022; N = 2,536). My findings confirm that the belief in conspiracy theories is positively associated with a preference for direct democratic decision-making. However, conspiracy believers also favor expert-based decision-making over elected politicians—but direct democracy would be their primary choice. Although the evidence for a preference for autocracy over representative democracy is associated with a higher degree of uncertainty, it does suggest that conspiracy believers tend to favor “anything but” representative democracy. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the impact of conspiracy beliefs on democratic systems.

Disfiguration: Civilized violence, Reformation and the witches

The European Reformation saw a dramatic rise of new confessional groups, sects and schisms, accompanied by widespread group hostility and violence. In a critical discussion of Elias’ ‘civilizing process’, the key changes ushered by the Reformation, from the government of state, church, and souls, are considered. As society sought to expunge its ‘ultimate enemies’, the era of reform was a time of widespread witchcraft trials, trials that are examples of horrific social disfiguration, with continued relevance to understanding modern social and group violence. Several examples of the latter are considered.

Policy strategy: Nickel mining contribution to rural development equity and social violence minimization in Kolaka Regency

The lack of attention from mining companies to the majority of areas still affected by mining activities can result in regional economic disparities and high levels of social violence. It is crucial to have policy strategies for mining contributions to rural development equity and social violence reduction through CSR assistance and other aid funds. This research employs the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method using the MULTIPOL analysis tool. Recommended action programs include the construction of schools, provision of scholarships, job openings, business capital, and infrastructure development, supported by strong regulations and law enforcement. Cracking down on illegal mining permits is essential to reduce environmental damage. Holistic and sustainable integration policies, alongside effective law enforcement, are necessary to achieve the goals of equitable development and social violence reduction. These steps should be reinforced with incentives for traditional/community leaders and increased police/military presence in villages within the next 2 years, particularly in zones 2 and 3 of the mining areas. Failure to implement these measures could escalate social violence, jeopardize security, and impede the operations of mining companies in Kolaka. The findings of this research support the priority of security and orderliness in development and underscore the importance of diverse research methods for mining area development policies.